The must fight all forms of addiction for the world to be a liveable place

By; Jjunju Francis

28^th May 2020

The 9 day special prayers ahead of the Uganda martyrs day celebrations on June 3^rd “Novena” has entered its fifth day today, under the theme; “Like the Uganda Martyrs full of faith,hope and love, we shall overcome”.

Every day, there is a moment of reflection on the day’s saints and mass at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo to help Chriastians pray and reflect on the life of the Uganda martyrs through the Catholic Radios and social network to bridge the gap experienced during the lockdown that left all worshop places closed in Uganda since March 30^th 2020.

On the fourth day of the Novena, Fr. Richard Nyombi from the Congregation of the White Fathers noted that the challenges that have come along with the Coronavirus Pandemic, have left many without control in their life due to confirnment at home, lack of food, work, money but standing with the Uganda martyrs nothing can fail humanity in God.

Fr. Nyombi reminded the faithful that Sts. Pontiano Ngondwe and Gonzaga Gonza, the patron of the security forces should be sought for proper guidance as they execute their roles.

For those in illegal marriages, St. Bruno Sserunkuuma a martyr should be sought to help see that those in courtship and all illegal marriages are formalized in the Church.

Fr. Nyombi added that people should be mindful of the addictions in the world today, among them lust, wealth, power and drugs.

He called upon all Catholics to pray for wisdom and counsel in their daily life to fulfill their roles as the Uganda martyrs lived.

Each diocese through the ordinary was given the mandate to prepare for this day, and the martyrs day comes after the 9 day Novena that started on Sunday ending on Monday June 1, 2020.

The Archbishop of Kampala Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga advised, the Novena to be observed at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo, where masses are celebrated every day with observance of the different martyrs who are patrons for various activities.

Today, we remember the Sts. Charles Lwanga and Kizito Omuto the patrons of Children, Youths, Catholic lay Movements and PMS.